Top Destinations on a Luxury Road Trip around Southeast Ireland
Updated: Sep 2
Discover the must-visit destinations on a luxury road trip around southeast Ireland in this incredible itinerary
From the scenic Wicklow cliffs to the sunny Wexford beaches and ancient Waterford streets, the Southeast of Ireland is home to some of its best coastal towns and cities. Meanwhile, between the rugged Wicklow Mountains and the crumbling Rock of Cashel, rich beauty and history lie in the region’s heartland. These are just a few top destinations to visit on a luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland. You can read about the rest below in an inspiring itinerary that provides exceptional insight into what to see, where to stay, and what route to take for the best possible luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland.
What kind of vehicle is available for a luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland?
As one of the world’s most covetable road trip destinations, it’s almost imperative to have a luxury vehicle to navigate around Ireland. From speedy sports cars to cool classics and everything in between, you decide what kind of car prefer based on what driving experience you desire. While sports cars are easiest to handle, classic cars encourage its driver to take it slow and enjoy the views. However, the best way to enjoy the views is by leaving the driving to a personal chauffeur so that your focus is on what’s around the car, not ahead of it.
A Luxury Road Trip around Southeast Ireland Itinerary
(featuring all the most unmissable destinations)
Begin your luxury road trip from Dublin
Begin your luxury road trip around southeast Ireland by exploring the capital city in style. After checking into The Shelbourne, a timeless landmark hotel on St Stephen’s Green, meet your private local tour guide who will introduce you to the city’s highlights over the next few days. From Trinity College to Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, the guide will share their incredible historical, cultural, and local insights.
Although seeing the Book of Kells and drinking a pint at the Guinness Storehouse is a must, save time to explore the city’s most happening neighbourhoods including the buzzy Temple Bar, historic Libertines, hip Smithfields, and posh Portobello. Between them, you’ll find plenty of all-too-tempting shops, cafes, and restaurants to indulge in.
Go hiking in the Wicklow Mountains
After an indulgent few days in Dublin, pick up your luxury car and head straight to the Wicklow Mountains. A relaxed countryside stay will be the perfect antidote for a busy city break. As Ireland’s largest national park, Wicklow Mountains is a web of scenic hiking trails that show off its temperate moss-covered cloud forests and rugged highland-like mountains sprinkled with ancient monastic ruins and refreshing spring lakes.
Stay in a cosy traditional Irish cottage in the sleepy town of Glendalough at the edge of the national park as a base for your adventures. Between the breathtaking hikes, scenic drives, and quaint country pubs, there’s no better place to experience life in rural Ireland.
Try watersports in Wicklow
Swap the mountains for the sea and head to the town of Wicklow for a few days of watersports and relaxation on the East Irish Coast. But first, take a detour to Powerscourt Estate featuring a stunning Palladian mansion and landscaped garden voted third-best in the world by National Geographic.
Arriving in Wicklow, join a kayak or sailing trip along the coast to admire the region’s wild coastal landscapes featuring rugged cliffscapes, hidden beaches populated by sunbathing seals, and the historic Wicklow Head Lighthouse. Afterward, see the coastline from a different perspective on the Glen Beach Cliff scenic coastal walk. In the evenings, mingle amongst the locals in Wicklow’s refined selection of seafood restaurants, swanky bars, and traditional pubs.
Explore medieval Wexford
Explore Ireland’s medieval history in the popular seaside resort town of Wexford on Ireland’s southeast corner. Start by wandering around the town’s medieval lanes and the Bullring Market where you will find independent boutiques, gift shops, pubs, and restaurants that give historic Wexford a modern appeal. Afterward, visit Johnstown Castle, Wells House, and the Irish National Heritage Park (a living history museum) to delve into Wexford’s historic side.
As if Wexford wasn’t already wonderful enough, it is also an excellent base for a beach day. Staying in a cutesy coastal cottage on the edge of the town, you’ll be a short drive from a selection of long pristine sand beaches. They make for a perfect sunbathing spot in the summer, and a breezy coastal walk in the autumn and winter.
Saltee Islands
Don’t pass southeastern Ireland without stopping at the Saltee Islands, a pair of largely unoccupied privately owned islands 3 miles off the Wexford Coast. The islands’ landscapes, flora, ecology, and climate have made them one of the best birdwatching destinations for in Europe. Spot puffins, gannets, shags, fulmars, and razorbills among over 200 other rare seabirds (and a colony of grey seals).
To reach the Saltees, take the 20-minute ferry from Kilmore Quay. Upon arrival, begin wandering along the walking trail which takes you to the best viewpoints to observe the brilliant array of birds nesting on the cliffs without being obstructive. For the best experience, take a good pair of binoculars and a camera for those epic wildlife shots.
Wander through ancient Waterford
Don’t miss Waterford on your luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland for this charming port city situated on the south coast is the oldest in Ireland. Waterford is best known as the proud home of Waterford Crystal but there’s much more to it than that. Discover its Viking roots on a private walking tour of the inner city’s ‘Viking Triangle’ during which you can experience 1000 years of history in 1000 steps.
Your expert local guide helps you visualise life in Viking Ireland with fascinating historic stories and anecdotes as you wander Waterford’s streets. Today, the streets offer an enticing mix of history and modernity with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants amongst amazing architecture ranging from medieval to Victorian times. Further immerse in the city’s history by staying at the luxurious Waterford Castle Hotel, a majestic medieval castle set on a private island on the River Suir beside the city.
Continue along the coast to Cork
Home of Blarney Castle, Cork City Gaol, and The English Market, the culture-full city of Cork is the next must-visit destination on your luxury road trip from Dublin Ireland. After checking into the glamourous Imperial Hotel & Spa, head to The English Market which, filled with everything from fresh local produce to regional delicacies and gourmet street food, is not only Europe’s oldest covered market but the best too.
Stomach stuffed with Irish treats, spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful Blarney Castle grounds and take the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. Next, tour Cork County Gaol, an infamous prison with incredible stories of political prisoners once locked inside. Afterward, you will undoubtedly appreciate your luxury hotel’s plush suites, spa, and fine dining restaurant even more.
Stay in a palace in Tipperary
From Cork, you will leave the coast and drive northeast through the quaint Irish countryside back towards Dublin. Along the way, stop in the charming town of Tipperary in the throes of the Irish heartlands for a slow-paced country stay at Cashel Palace Hotel. From the manicured grounds and timelessly stylish decor to the impeccable restaurant and menu, the hotel is a destination in its own right.
Walk through the hotel grounds to reach one of Ireland’s most remarkable religious sights, The Rock of Cashel. On a guided audio tour of this stunning church and castle complex, you’ll learn about its 1000 years of history as the seat of the kings of Munster. Afterward, ramble along the River Suir to Cahir Castle, one of the largest in Ireland.
Complete your luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland in Kilkenny
Make the last stop of your luxury road trip from Dublin a ‘grand’ one in Kilkenny, a small historic city with heaps of character in central Ireland. Start your city exploration with a tour of Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland’s most historically important and best-preserved castles. Continue down Medieval Mile, an impressive street linking the castle to St Candice’s Cathedral, stopping to see its shops, cafes, and museums.
Ensure the last few nights of your luxury road trip from Dublin are memorable by staying at the sumptuous Lyrath Estate Hotel. Situated on an elegant 17th-century estate on the city’s outskirts, it’s the perfect location for a balance of Irish city and countryside activities. Before the final drive to Dublin, stop by Kilkenny Design Centre to marvel at traditional Celtic designs and craftsmanship and gather some gifts to commemorate an incredible Irish road trip.
Secure your luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland
If you’d love to see these unmissable destinations on a luxury road trip around Southeast Ireland for yourself, Lore Luxury Travel can make it happen. Our top Ireland travel experts will plan an incredible bespoke road trip around southwest Ireland that features the destinations you want to visit, the tours and activities you just can’t miss, the most luxurious hotels, and the coolest car. To enquire further, get in touch by messaging us here.